Malaysia will voice its concerns over Australia’s proposal to relocate political asylum seekers to Pacific islands at the 7th Malaysia-Australia Foreign Ministers’ Meeting on Sept 11.
Foreign Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Hasan, who will attend the talks, said Malaysia believes refugee resettlement decisions must take into account the wishes of the asylum seekers themselves — whether to remain in Australia, return to their home countries or move elsewhere.
“Australia’s plan to send them to a Pacific island must be reconsidered. It is unreasonable to place them outside Australian territory without their input,” he said.
Mohamad added that Malaysia will raise the issue during bilateral discussions in Australia, stressing that any policy should reflect the rights and choices of refugees.
Beyond the refugee issue, the meeting will also strengthen cooperation in trade, education, technology and regional security. A key focus will be the Five Power Defence Arrangements (FPDA), the joint security pact between Malaysia, Australia, New Zealand, Singapore and the UK.
Calling FPDA a “pillar of stability” in Southeast Asia, Mohamad said Malaysia remains committed to enhancing joint exercises and collaboration, particularly in safeguarding strategic waterways such as the South China Sea.
